Canyon Creek (Long Canyon) Trail #16

The trailhead (elevation 1,900 feet) is located approximately ¾-mile north of Long Canyon Creek on the Westside Road #417 trailhead and the first ¼ mile of the trail is on private land. After this, or approximately ½ mile, the trail winds in and out of small draws where Douglas Fir and Western Larch predominate. The trail crosses a rock knob and converts into a series of switchbacks for the next mile before it passes a small pond and then remnants of an old homestead. 

At the 2-mile mark, the trail stars to curve into the Canyon Creek drainage. Closed timber gives way to open grass meadows and rock outcroppings which afford view or Parker Ridge and the Kootenai Valley. The trail tread becomes narrow and extremely rocks with pitches between 20-35%. The climb continues for ¾ mile without relief before the trail flattens somewhat and weaves through several draws. At 3.5 miles, the trail descends to canyon creek and enters an area of mudflats and alluvial deposits of rock and soil. The trail immediately climbs away from the creek, at a steady 15-25% grade, through a closed canopy conifer forest. 

At 5 miles, the trail junctions with Trail #424 (not maintained), which is an old cutoff to Parker Ridge. Beyond the junction, the trail climbs as a moderate pitch, crossing several muddy areas that are spanned by wooden walkways. At 6.5 miles, the trail descends toward the creek through a classic cathedral forest of pine, cedar and hemlock. At the 7-mile, a series of walkways lead to the first crossing of Canyon Creek. The crossing limits the seasonal use of the upper end of the canyon. It is 70 feet wide, has no bridge and typically sports high water flow through the end of June.

Once across Canyon Creek, a short, steep climb leads to a flat segment that traverses and old-growth hemlock forest. The trail crosses small creeks at the 8- and 8.5-mile mark before crossing Canyon Creek again at the 9-mile mark. The trail segment between this creek crossing and the third, and final crossing at the 13-mile mark, traverse some of the wettest ground in the canyon.

Although there are many walkways along this section of the trail, it remains wild and pristine. The largest and most popular camping area in the canyon is at the 12-mile, with sites for 6 to 8 backpacking tents. From the last creek crossing at the 13-mile mark, the trail winds for another mile, passing the remnants of an old cabin before its junctions with Trail #7 (elevation 4.520 feet).

This trail accesses both the Trout Creek Trailhead and Parker Ridge. Trail #16 once continued past this junction all the way to Long Canyon Pass, but at this point it is only maintained about 2-miles beyond the #7 junction.

Canyon Creek is the last drainage in the Bonners Ferry District that has not been logged. The trail follows Canyon Creek through giant white pine and larch stands along with cedar, hemlock and spruce areas. There is very little human impact here and offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. There are also several good campsites and trails for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and limited cross-country skiing.